"I know I can speak for everybody on the defensive side of the ball when I say we're going to make a statement from point go, from the first preseason game," Ward told USA Today's Tom Pelissero. "From then on, teams can know what they're up against and know what to expect week-in and week-out. They don't have to just worry about the offense no more."

We can imagine John Elway likes to hear that fire from his defense. The Broncos general manager made it clear in his offseason signings -- Ward, pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, cornerback Aqib Talib -- he wanted to get tougher on the defensive side of the ball.

"As good as the Broncos' offense was last year, you see what happens when you get put up against a stout defense and an offense that can pretty much manage and make some plays here and there," Ward said, referring to the Super Bowl debacle.

Ward said Denver's defense plans on matching that historic Broncos offense as one of the best in the NFL in 2014.

"We're sending a message right now that we're coming in not only trying to be one of the top offenses in the league, but one of the top defenses in the world and get that Super Bowl ring," he exclaimed.